Everything to expect for MLK Week 2023

The annual MLK Silent March

Each year, Ohio University celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a weeklong celebration. Throughout the week, OHIO, in partnership with the Division of Diversity and Inclusion, hosts events, activities and speakers to commemorate Dr. King’s work toward racial equality and dedication to nonviolence. The theme for the 2023 celebration is Compassion: The Key to Justice.

The celebration will kick off on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, the national holiday of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The day will begin with a Silent March to honor the life of Dr. King. The march will meet at 10:00 a.m. at Galbreath Chapel on the College Green.

Following the march, Ohio University will hold the annual MLK Jr. Celebratory Brunch in Baker Ballroom. The brunch gathering includes food, speakers, and vocal and dance performances.

The 2023 keynote brunch speaker is OHIO alumnus Timothy Austin Brown. Brown is a ministry leader for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, author, educator and motivational speaker. Born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and raised in East Cleveland, his mother shared with him and his siblings the sacrifices and opportunities that the Civil Rights Movement provided for the next generation.

Throughout the remainder of the week, there are many opportunities for insightful lectures and meaningful conversation:

On Tuesday, Jan. 17, OHIO will welcome the Rev. Wheeler Parker for a Fireside Chat from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Rev. Wheeler Parker is a cousin and best friend to the late Emmett Till, and the last living witness to his kidnapping. The pursuit of justice in the lynching and brutal murder of his cousin on Aug. 28, 1955, has been a central focal point of his mission and ministry for years. His memoir, “A Few Days Full of Trouble,” published by Random House, will be released Jan. 10, 2023.
In anticipation of the conversation with Rev. Parker, the Athena Cinema will be screening the movie “Till” at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17.
Wednesday, Jan. 18, will include a Self Compassion and Self-Care Luncheon hosted in partnership with the Athens City DEIA coordinator. The lunch time conversation will discuss wellness and mental health from the perspectives of local health care providers of color. Lunch will be provided.
On Wednesday evening, students can enjoy an empowering conversation about Black excellence with OHIO alumni from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
In collaboration with the Center for Campus and Community Engagement, there will be a Service Fair on Thursday, Jan. 19, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Community organizations are invited to join in at Baker University Center to engage with students, staff, and faculty to share volunteer, internship, research or other opportunities or partnerships. Student organizations and local nonprofits can register to table at the event.
To conclude the weeklong celebration, Ohio University will host a Comedy and Variety Show in Baker Theatre on Friday, Jan. 20, from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. A comedian will perform along with step performances by members of the NPHC fraternities and sororities and other variety show acts will follow.